The Kebbi State Government has intensified measures to prevent the possible importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr Zaki Abubakar Zaki disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.
He said the ministry through its Department of Public Health had strengthened disease surveillance and traveller screening at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi and designated land border entry points across the state.
According to him passengers arriving at and departing from the airport are screened at designated gates to help detect suspected cases early and identify travellers showing symptoms consistent with Ebola.
Zaki added that officials had introduced similar screening measures at three land border entry points in Bagudo Kamba and Arewa Local Government Areas to strengthen border health surveillance and protect residents from public health threats.
He said the measures were designed to ensure prompt identification of suspected cases timely referral for medical assessment and implementation of appropriate public health interventions to minimise transmission risk.
The permanent secretary also said the ministry supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) to all general hospitals in the state to strengthen infection prevention and control.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents through proactive disease surveillance enhanced border screening and coordination with relevant health authorities and stakeholders.
It urged residents and travellers to remain vigilant cooperate with health officials and promptly report suspected symptoms to the appropriate health authorities.